Individual counseling

We provide short-term counseling, averaging 4-6 sessions. These are scheduled based on your availability and need. While you may seek counseling for a variety of reasons, some topics appropriate for short-term counseling include:

• Managing mood and thoughts
• Navigating life transitions
• Relationship support
• Managing time and academic stress
• Identity development and self-advocacy
  

Group counseling

Many students find their concerns can be addressed through participation in Group Counseling. An intake session and brief meeting with the group leader is necessary to participate. 

Career counseling

If you want to explore your career goals, the Counseling Center offers career counseling to help explore interests, cultural and family values that impact education and career prospects, and more.  There is a small charge for career assessments.

Workshops and invited presentations

The Counseling Center offers:

• Workshops that teach skills related to stress management, managing thoughts and emotions, mindfulness, coping with discrimination and more.
• Services in response to tragic events and ongoing injustices to help with coping and healing.
• Career values workshops and group interpretations of career assessments.
• Other invited presentations based on request and availability.

Please visit the Training Page for a full list of trainings offered by the Counseling Center and other campus partners.  

Consultation services

If a faculty, staff, parent or peer is concerned about a student’s mental health, the Counseling Center provides consultation on how to support a student in distress, and if needed, how to make a referral to campus resources.

Crisis services

If you feel you need immediate assistance due to being in crisis, the Counseling Center provides urgent care meetings. Some examples of crisis or urgent situations include:

• Feeling like you may end your life
• Feeling like you may seriously harm yourself or another person
• Death of a loved one
• Physical or sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence
• Hearing voices
• Not being able to function due to extreme psychological distress

Crisis meetings focus on helping you cope with immediate stressors that are reducing your ability to function and determining helpful next steps. When you arrive to the Counseling Center for a crisis meeting, you will be asked to complete a few forms so that we may help you as efficiently and as effectively as possible.

How to schedule an appointment

The Counseling Center offers short-term mental health services at no charge to currently enrolled, degree-seeking UW students. Get started by calling 206.543.1240 to schedule an intake appointment. This initial appointment is an opportunity to discuss your presenting concerns and develop a treatment plan with a counselor.